There are a lot of features to like on the M11-A1. For example, it has corrosion-resistant internal parts, as do the pistols Sig makes for the U.S. Navy SEALs. The slide also has Sig’s Nitron finish, which I have found holds up quite well on the P226 I have carried quite a bit. As I understand it, Nitron is similar to what is known as a diamond-like carbon (DLC) finish. This is applied through PVD (Physical Vapor Disposition) and/or PA-CVD (Plasma Assisted Chemcial Vapor Dispostion), a process that increases wear resistance. The frame is hardcoat anodized. Another feature is the Short Reset Trigger, which makes it easier to engage multiple targets quickly.

The Solo Carry DC takes the basic Solo design and enhances it with a Carry Melt treatment, a durbale diamond like carbon coating (DLC) on the slide and barrel, and a self-lubricating KimPro II finish. It also features grip strap serrations, checkered Micarta grips and Meprolight tritium night sights. A 1911 shooter can easily transition to a Solo and not have to relearn a new platform since Kimber chose to locate the thumb safety, slide stop and magazine release button in the same places as they are located on a 1911 pistol.

Featuring a steel magazine with a 16-round capacity in 9mm, the PPX SD is a departure from the slightly more compact PPQ that I previously reviewed, in that the former is a hammer-fired pistol rather than being striker-fired, like the latter.

The hammer system on the PPX SD is not what I consider a traditional hammer-fired system, either—you cannot cock the hammer by pulling it back. It is recessed in the rear of the slide so that the hammer can travel through its arc, but there is no spur, or need for one, since the trigger pull is light. The hammer travel is part of the trigger cycle, and the hammer is only controlled by the trigger.

The APX uses an ergonomic, modular, polymer frame similar in concept to that used in the ultra-compact Beretta Pico pistol. Advanced ergonomics are built into the design, with differently sized grip frames available so the APX will fit different hand sizes.

The striker-fired trigger group is the serialized part of the APX. The finalized pistol available in the U.S., which will have slightly different specifications than the model recently unveiled in the Middle East, will most likely feature three-dot night sights that are dovetailed into the steel slide.

In a world where law enforcement officers carry Glock pistols more than any other, the Glock 43 works just like any other Glock from the operator’s perspective. Even .45 ACP fans will usually (if grudgingly) admit that, with the best ammunition, the 9mm is certainly adequate in power. Reliability is the hallmark that made Glock pistols so popular in police service in the first place, and the folks at Glock assure us that extensive testing indicates the Glock 43 will live up to the brand’s long-established standard.